International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)
http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/3.5.39
Characterization, classification and suitability
ratings of soils for rainfed rice production in
Rukubi, Doma, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Kyat M. M and S. Idoga
Department of Soil Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Email: kyatmark@yahoo.com
Abstract— Rice is an important annual crop in Nigeria. It
is one of the major staples, which can provide a nation’s
population with the nationally required food. The objectives
of this study were to characterize, classify and determine
the suitability ratings of some soils of Rukubi for rainfed
rice production. All the soil units were deep (150 – 199 cm),
unit III soils were well drained, while units I and II soils
were somewhat poorly drained. The soils had textures
ranging between sandy clay loam and clay loam. The soils
were well structured (strong coarse sub-angular blocky).
Soil reactions were slightly acid (pH 5.12 – 7.15 in H2 O).
The organic carbon content of the soils were moderately
low to high (1.03 – 1.62 %) in the surfaces, while low in the
sub-surface horizons (0.50 – 1.60 %). The total nitrogen
was low at the surface horizons and ranged between 0.01
and 0.16 %. The soils were dominated by Ca and Mg wit h
values varying from 1.10 – 4.021 cmol/kg and 0.05 – 3.89
cmol/kg respectively. The available phosphorus was
relatively high in the surfaces (4.10 – 11.8 mg/kg), but,
much lower in the sub-surfaces (14.15 – 9.85 mg/kg). The
percentage base saturation of the soil ranged from 47 % to
98 %. Based on the physical and chemical characteristics,
the soils of unit I 1were classified as TypicEndoaquepts/
AndicFluvisols; unit II was classified as
EutricEndoaquepts/ AndicCambisols and unit III as
ArenicEndoaquepts/ EutricFluvisols. The characteristics of
the soil units were compared with the land requirements for
rice production. On suitability rating, all of the soil units
highly suitable for rainfed rice production.
Keywords— Rainfed rice, suitability ratings, soils.
I. INTRODUCTION
Cereals are one of the important foods for growing
population of human. Approximately 50% of consumed
calories by the whole population of humans depend on
wheat, Rice and maize (Gnanamanickam, 2009). Although
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Vol-3, Issue-5, Sept-Oct- 2018
ISSN: 2456-1878
rice has the second place because of planted area but it
serves as the most important food source for Asian
countries mainly in south-east parts where it is an economic
crop for farmers and workers who grow it on millions of
hectares throughout the region (Gomez 2001). Historically,
rice was cultivated l0000 years ago in the river valleys of
South and Southeast Asia and China since it served as the
most important food for people. Although Asia is the main
place of rice cultivation but it was harvested in other
continents like Latin America, Europe, some parts of Africa
and even USA (Gnanamanickam, 2009).
The rice sector in Nigeria is one of the most important
remarkable agricultural developments over the decades. It is
the most consumed staple food by Nigeria’s over 174
million people across states and geo-political zones. There
is lopsidedness in the level of production of rice in Nigeria
as compared to its consumption pattern. The implication is
that, to meet up with the high demand for its consumption,
the rice has to be imported and these have been on the high
side and it is inelastic.
In the light of this, Frederic et al. (2003) observed that, with
rice now being the structural component of the Nigerian
diet, and rice imports making up an important share of
Nigeria’s agricultural imports, there is considerable political
interest in increasing the consumption of local rice. This has
made rice a highly political commodity.
Akpokodjeet al. (2001) maintained that, a comprehensive
and up to date picture of rice sector in Nigeria in general
and rice production, processing and consumption in
particular is lacking. It can be seemingly noticed that,
despite its agricultural potentials, Nigeria is yet to harness
its vastland resources suitable for agriculture, to not only
improve its export on rice, but even to cater for its domestic
consumption which will invariably serve for sufficient food
security. This is evident from the fact that, rice consumption
in Nigeria increases over decades and in alarming rates.
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 International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)
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Although, the total rice production is increasing recently
due to high demands; the recorded increase however, have
not been sufficient to meet the increasing demand from the
rapidly growing population; estimated at over 174 million
people.
Osagie (2014) observed that Nigeria currently spends about
a billion Naira daily importing rice. The Nigerian
government recently came up with a policy decision to ban
rice importation completely by 2015. The question is how
prepared is the Nigerian government towards ensuring that,
this policy intentions are actualized? Considering the fact
that, the United States Department of Agriculture reveals
that, Nigeria’s rice imports in 2012 to 2013 alone were
estimated to reach about 3 million tones. This is mainly
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because, the projected increase in rice production in 2012 to
2013 falls short of consumption requirements.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study area is Rukubi, located at about 81 km South-
west of Lafia and 40 km North-west of Makurdi town. The
area lies between Latitudes 70 191 2811 and 70 551 4511 N,
Longitudes 80 301 5611 and 80 181 2011 E, and the altitude of
252 m above sea level (asl). The area experiences distinct
wet and dry seasons with the mean annual rainfall of about
1307 mm falling between April and October of most years.
The mean average temperature is about 27.40 C.The monthly
minimum temperature is between 16.20 C - 17.20 C.

Fig.1: Map of Nasarawa State showing the study area

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 International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)
http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/3.5.39
The geomorphology of the area shows that the rock types
are making up the components of Nigerian geology
(Basement, Younger Granites and Sedimentary rocks). The
basement complex cover up to 60% of the total area of the
area, while the remaining 40% is made of sedimentary
rocks of the middle Benue Trough.The area is composed of
undulating lowlands and network topography with little or
no rock outcrops (Nyagba, 1995).
Field Studies
About 300 ha of the extensive farmland at Olam were soil-
surveyed using grid method with traverses cut at 200m
perpendicular to the baseline. Auger point investigations
were conducted at 200 m interval. Different soil types were
identified using morphological characteristics such as
colour, texture, structures, topography, consistence, and
surface characteristics as differentiating features for
delineating soil boundaries. Two pits will sunk in each soil
unit, described using the guidelines of soil profile
descriptions (soil survey staff, 2014). Sampling were done
for each identified horizon
The soil samples from each representative soil unit were
collected into polythene bags, neatly labeled and taken to
the laboratory for physical and chemical analysis. Based on
the data obtained from the soil survey, the soils at Rukubi
were subsequently characterized, classified and mapped.
The soil samples were air-dried, gently crushed and sieved
to obtain the fine earth fraction (<2 mm). Soil bulk density
Fig.2: Soil Map of Rukubi
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Vol-3, Issue-5, Sept-Oct- 2018
ISSN: 2456-1878
were determined by the undisturbed core sampling method
after drying the soil samples in an oven at 105 0 C to
constant weights, while particle density were measured by
the pycnometer method (Black, 1965). Percentage pore
space was computed from the values of bulk density and
particle density (Brady and Weil, 2002) as total pore space
(percentage) = (1-BD/PD) x 100.
The laboratory analysis was carried out included particle
size distribution using hydrometer method as described by
Day (1965). Soil pH was determined by electrometer
method as described by Hesse (1971). Soil organic carbon
was determined by Walkey Black method based on the
oxidation of organic matter by potassium dichromate
(Hesse, 1971). Total nitrogen was determined using macro
Kjeldahl procedures. Available phosphorus determined
using Bray 1 method (IITA, 1979). The exchangeable bases
were extracted using neutral NH4 OAC as displacing
solution. Calcium and Magnesium were read on atomic
absorption spectrophotometer, while Potassium and sodium
were read on flame photometer. Exchange acidity was
determined using Barium Chloride Triethanolamine as
described by Peech (1965). Effective cation exchange
capacity was calculated as the sum of exchange acidity and
exchangeable bases. The percentage base saturation was
calculated as total exchangeable bases divided by effective
cation exchange capacity multiplied by 100.
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 International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)
http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/3.5.39
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Soil morphological characteristics
Figure 1 shows distribution of the three mapping units. The
soils were generally poorly drained. They were fine textured
with clay content ranging from 10.7 % and 40.0 %, this
could be as result of the shale parent material. The clay and
sand content distribution was irregular across the horizons
except for sand in unit III were the sand content decreased
with increase in depth. This could be as result of intense
disturbances caused heavy machinery used in farming by
Olam rice farm. More so, the irregular pattern in most of the
units could be due to different types of sediment with
varying textures deposited annually in accordance to their
source. The structure of the surface horizon in all the soil
units was strong coarse sub- angular blocky possibly as a
result of high organic and clay contents.
Soil chemical properties
The pH value of the soils of the study area as shown in
Table 1 indicates that the soils were slightly acid in
reaction. Soil pH of surface horizon ranged 5.12 and 7.1.
These figures mostly decreased with depth probably due to
the effect of nutrient biocycling (Ogunwale et al., 2002) the
percentage organic carbon was highest 1.62% in pedon 3
probably due to incorporation of the crop residues to the
soil. The total nitrogen values of the soils ranged between
0.01 to 0.70 %. These nitrogen levels are very low for
surface horizons of soils as rated by (IRRI, 1995) and
probably due to release from plant tissues, gaseous loss and
volatilization (De Datta, et al., 1991).
The available phosphorus values were relatively high (11.8
cmol/kg). The values decrease with increasing depth. This
is perhaps due to the relationship of organic carbon with
phosphorus (Miura et al., 1997).
Exchangeable Ca and Mg dominated over K and Na in the
exchange complex. This is in agreement with earlier finding
of Fagbami and Akamigbo, (1986). The values of exchange
acidity were generally low and ranged between 0.88 to 1.80
cmol/kg. Effective cation exchange capacity values were
low and ranged between 3.39 cmol/kg and 9.70 cmol/kg of
soil, which is rated as low to moderate (FAO, 1983). This
may probably be due to the contribution of clay (Idoga and
Azagaku, 2005). The percentage base saturation was rated
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ISSN: 2456-1878
from moderate to high, ranging from 47 % to 98 %. This
could be linked to the active plant litter decomposition
process, which incorporates cations from the litter into the
soil surface (Malgwi, 1979).
The USDA soil taxonomy (soil survey staff, 2014) and the
WRB, (2006) were used in classifying the soils of the area.
Both field and laboratory studies of the soils of the area
indicate an increasing trend in the amount of clay with
depth (especially unit III) and also high degree of
aggregation. The clay distribution pattern shows that there
is argillic horizon in all the profiles studied. This clay
distribution pattern corresponds with the high base
saturation status of the soils therefore qualifying them as
Alfisols. The presence of mottles mostly near the soil
surface, a chroma of 2 in some horizons qualifies the soils
as Aqualfs. Soil units II and III show evidence of
episaturation by the presence of mottles at or near the soil
surface and the dominant hue of 10YR and 2.5Y; they
therefore qualify as Epiaqualfs. They further qualify as
AericVerticEndoaqualfs and ChromicVerticEndoaqualfs
because of the presence of cracks narrower than 2 cm and
shallower than 50 cm, as well as the dominance of hue of
7.5YR, and 10YR. All the soil units showed irregular but
decreasing clay content with depth. They therefore
classified as Inceptisols. This inferred ustic soil moisture
regime of the area places these soils into the suborder
ustept. The clay distribution pattern of the soils places them
in the great group Haplustepts. They further classified as
AquicHaplustepts because of aquic soil moisture regime
within 70 cm of soil surface.
In the WRB (2006), the soils have high clay content in the
subsoil than in the topsoil as a result of pedogenic processes
(elluviation and Illuviation) leading to an Argic subsoil
horizon. All soil units have evidence of redoximorphic
features caused by subsurface water, which periodically wet
both the topsoil and the subsoil over a considerably period
of time leading to the formation of mottles. For these
reasons, they are classified as Luvisols (WRB, 2006). They
further qualify as VerticLuvisols because of vertic
properties within 100 cm of soil surface and higher clay
content of the subsoil as well as the high base status of the
soils.
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 International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB) Vol-3, Issue-5, Sept-Oct- 2018
http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/3.5.39 ISSN: 2456-1878
Table.1: Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the Soils
Hori- Depth Bulk Particle size analysis Textural pH (1:1) Organi Avail. Total Exchangeable Cations Exch. ECEC BS
zon Density Class c P N Acidity (%
Carbon (mg/kg (% ) )
(% ) p) Ca Mg K Na
Sand Silt Clay
KCl H2 0
% Cmol/kg

Soil Unit I: Pedon 1 Chromic VerticEndoaqualfs/ AndicLuvisols

A 0-15 2.73 69.2 2.60 28.2 SCL 4.58 5.63 1.60 4.10 0.70 3.80 3.40 0.34 0.36 1.08 8.63 92
B 15-30 2.82 25.5 40.6 33.9 CL 4.50 5.76 1.10 4.50 0.56 3.76 3.30 0.34 0.38 1.03 8.97 89
B1 30-87 2.87 39.1 42.0 18.9 L 4.40 5.74 1.10 4.40 0.56 3.63 3.20 0.32 0.34 1.02 8.51 88
B2 87-130 2.79 40.8 32.0 27.2 L 4.87 5.84 0.87 4.20 0.56 3.61 3.18 0.32 0.34 0.99 8.44 89
C 130- 2.90 41.3 29.9 28.8 CL 4.53 5.92 4.15 0.49 3.52 3.06 0.29 0.33 0.72 7.92 91
150

Soil Unit I: Pedon 2 Chromic VerticEndoaqualfs/ AndicLuvisols

A 0-30 2.93 73.5 15.7 10.7 SCL 5.07 7.15 1.44 4.80 0.56 4.10 3.60 0.36 0.40 1.12 9.52 88
A1 30-70 2.74 31.5 37.7 30.8 L 5.04 6.40 1.32 4.65 0.56 4.00 3.89 0.34 0.37 1.10 9.70 89
B 70-116 2.82 64.2 18.3 17.5 SL 4.93 6.38 1.00 4.65 0.49 3.92 3.37 0.33 0.34 0.98 8.94 89
C 116- 2.84 61.3 25.0 13.5 SL 4.65 5.93 0.84 4.20 0.49 4.00 3.50 0.35 0.38 0.88 9.11 90
199
Soil Unit II: Pedon 3AericVerticEndoaqualfs/ VerticLuvisols
A 0-10 2.74 33.5 36.0 30.5 CL 4.49 5.91 1.62 4.40 0.59 3.86 3.30 0.30 0.34 1.13 8.93 87
AB 10-49 2.79 21.5 41.3 37.2 CL 4.41 5.86 1.60 4.50 0.56 3.88 3.17 0.31 0.35 1.10 8.81 88
B 49-99 2.94 35.1 36.4 28.5 CL 4.54 5.92 0.87 4.40 0.56 3.51 3.00 0.30 0.34 1.06 8.21 71
Bt2 99-140 3.02 44.8 35.0 20.2 L 4.54 5.88 0.68 4.30 0.59 3.40 3.10 0.28 0.32 0.98 8.08 88
C 140- 3.11 28.9 40.0 31.1 CL 4.56 5.78 0.60 4.25 0.70 3.31 3.00 0.28 0.29 0.81 7.69 90
154
Soil Unit II: Pedon 4AericVerticEndoaqualfs/ VerticLuvisols
A1 0-13 2.70 37.1 38.4 24.5 L 4.69 6.69 1.12 4.65 0.56 3.84 3.40 0.34 0.56 1.14 8.28 98
B2 13-57 2.98 34.8 42.0 23.2 L 5.60 6.62 1.07 4.50 0.56 3.74 3.18 0.32 0.36 1.04 8.64 88

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B3 57-96 2.84 40.8 40.0 19.2 L 6.03 6.54 0.87 4.30 0.70 4.02 3.60 0.37 0.40 1.00 9.39 89
C 96-156 2.88 73.1 10.9 16.2 SL 5.62 6.92 0.62 4.75 0.63 3.86 3.60 0.36 0.40 0.94 9.32 88
Soil Unit III: Pedon 5 Chromic VerticEndoaqual fs/ VerticLuvisols
A 0-28 2.52 40.8 18.2 40.0 SC 4.50 5.98 1.56 11.8 0.59 2.22 1.47 0.31 0.17 1.50 5.67 74
B 28-49 2.67 45.2 19.2 35.6 CL 4.42 5.96 1.06 9.85 0.52 1.14 1.61 1.36 0.12 1.50 5.73 73
Bt1 40-70 3.00 44.6 23.2 33.2 CL 4.33 5.68 0.92 9.12 0.51 1.10 1.54 0.84 0.10 1.35 4.37 81
Bt2 70-93 3.03 46.8 20.0 33.2 CL 4.00 6.51 0.56 8.22 0.43 1.07 1.46 0.44 0.05 1.20 4.22 72
Bt3 93-150 3.09 48.8 20.0 31.2 SCL 4.12 5.12 0.62 8.0 0.04 1.05 1.33 0.48 0.02 0.88 3.76 77

Soil Unit III: Pedon 6 Chromic VerticEndoaqual fs/ VerticLuvisols

A 0-22 2.78 48.5 15.5 36.0 SC 4.88 5.99 1.03 10.5 0.10 2.81 2.53 0.30 0.16 1.50 7.30 79

B 22-67 2.77 44.6 21.0 34.4 CL 4.62 5.88 1.00 9.01 0.09 1.92 1.29 0.28 0.12 1.65 5.26 69
Bt1 67-93 3.20 48.2 20.8 31.0 SCL 4.81 5.91 0.67 8.51 0.07 1.74 1.04 0.27 0.15 1.60 4.30 74
Bt2 93-138 3.38 50.0 20.0 30.0 L 4.72 5.82 0.58 8.50 0.05 1.53 0.89 0.24 0.10 1.80 4.36 63
Bt3 138-160 3.40 39.7 22.3 38.0 L 4.91 5.82 0.50 7.00 0.01 1.23 0.05 0.21 0.10 1.80 3.39 47
Soil classification

Source :Field Studies

Table.3: Summary of Soil of Soil Type and Their Suitability Ratings
Soil Units Pedons Taxonomic classes Suitability ratings
I 1 and 2 Chromic VerticEndoaqualfs/ S2
AndicLuvisols

II 3 and 4 AericVerticEndoaqualfs/ S2
VerticLuvisols

III 5 and 6 Chromic VerticEndoaqualfs/ S2

VerticLuvisols
Where S 2 - moderately Suitable

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International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)
http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/3.5.39
Suitability ratings for rainfed rice production
Suitability ratings derived from the results of soil survey
work (Fagbemi and Akamigbo, 1986). The interpretation
of soil survey work itself is a statement of prediction of
performance. Suitability ratings is therefore, carried out
by comparing the characteristics of the soils with the
requirements of the crop in this case, rice. The chemical
characteristics of the soils such as pH, organic matter,
exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange capacity,
and exchange acidity are found to be conducive to rice
production or can be mended by individual farmers and
therefore cannot be permanent limitations.
All mapping units were very deep (>120cm) and all are
considered suitable for the production of rice. However,
all the pedons have characteristic mottling at the
subsurface through to the last horizon. This probably
accounted for the observed redoximorphic condition in all
the soil units indicated by the presence of few fine
medium to coarse and distinct to prominent mottles
occurring within the horizons. However, the soil may not
have been under permanent water saturation for a period
longer than few weeks as indicated by soil colour which
ranged from the texture of the soils ranged from clay
loam to sandy clay loam. According to Sys (1991, 1993),
rice require loamy clay to sandy loam clay for optimum
yield. Thus, the soils in pedon unit I and III present a very
slight limitation to rice yield, while soil unit II seems to
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ISSN: 2456-1878
possess no textural limitation to rice production, hence, it
is highly suitable. The structure of the soils ranged
between fine sub angular blocky to coarse sub angular
blocky. Coarse sub angular blocky is regarded as highly
suitable for rice production (Sys, 1991). The structures of
all the mapping units were considered highly suitable for
rice production. The soil chemical properties, which could
affect their suitability for rainfed, rice production are
acidity, salinity, and fertility. The reactions of the soils
ranged from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.12 to 7.15).
Although this pH level may not pose serious problem for
P uptake, pH above 6.0 may limit the availability of
micronutrients such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu which form
metallic cations that precipitate into low solubility
compounds at high pH levels. Total exchangeable acidity
(H+ + Al+) ranged between 0.72 cmol/kg and 1.80
cmol/kgindicating that the level of exchangeable
aluminium was below toxic range (Tanaka and Yoshida
1970). The soils have low to medium levels of
exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na and of N and medium to
high levels of Bray-1 P. All with the exception P, the
major nutrient content in the soil were lower than the
critical requirement for rice production (De Datta, 1989).
The result of the survey revealed that the levels of organic
matter, nitrogen, exchangeable cations and Mn were
below the critical requirements for rice production
(Adeoye, 2002).

Appendix A: Land Requirement for Suitability Classes For rain -fed Rice Production
Land Qualities S1 1 S1 2 S2 S3 N1 N2

CLIMATE
Annual Rainfall ˃1000 900-1000 800-900 600-800 600-500 <500

Mean annual temperature(O C) ˃25 22-25 20-22 18-20 16-18 <16

Relative Humidity (%) ˃75 70-75 65-70 60-65 <60
Topography: Slope (%) <2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 ˃10
DRAINAGE (s):
Wetness WD (ID) † MWD (ID) † MD ID (WD) † PD (WD) † PD
(WD) †
Flooding Fo Fo F1 F1 F2 F3
SOIL PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Texture L (LC) † Lfs (SLC) † LS (SL) † S S S
Structure Cr (SAB) † C (SAB) † SAB (Cr) † SAB (Cr) † Col (Cr) † Col (Cr)
†
Coarse fragment (%) (0-45cm) <3 3-5 5-10 10-15 ˃15
Soil Depth (cm) ˃75 65-70 50-65 35-50 30-35 <30
FERTILITY (F)
pH 5.5-6.5 5.0-5.5 4.5-5.0 4.0 4.5 <4.0
Base Saturation ˃80 70-80 50-70 40-50 25-35 <25

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Organic Carbon (%) (0-30cm) ˃2.0 2.0-1.5 1.2-1.5 1.0-1.2 1.0 <1.0
MACRO-NUTRIENTS
Nitrogen (%) ˃2.0 1.5-2.0 1.0-1.5 0.5-1.0 <0.5
Phosphorus (mg kg -1 ) ˃20 15-20 8-15 5-8 3-5 <3
Potassium (cmol kg -1 ) ˃0.5 0.3-0.5 0.2-0.3 0.1-0.2 <0.1
MICRO-NUTRIENTS
Iron (Fe) (mg kg -1 ) ˃4.5 3.5-4.5 2.5-3.5 1.5-2.5 1.0-1.5 <1.0

Zinc (Zn) (mg kg -1 ) 2.0-2.5 1.5-2.0 1.0-1.5 0.8-1.0 0.6-0.8 <0.6

Manganese (Mn) (mg kg -1 ) 1.5-1.7 1.0-1.5 0.8-1.o 0.6-0.8 0.5-0.6 <0.5

Source: Sys et al., (1991, 1993); De Datta (1989)

†= ratings for lowland rice production; SAB= Sub-Angular Blocky; Col= Columnar; Cr= Crumb; WD= Well Drained;
MWD= Moderately Well Drained; ID= Imperfectly Drained; PD= Poorly Drained; L= Loamy; SL= Sandy Loam; LS=
Loamy Sand; Lfs= Loamy fine sand; SCL= Sandy Clay Loam; Fo= Rarely flo oded; F1= Flooding expected; F2= Irregularly
Flooded; F3= Regularly Flooded

The climate of the studied area is quite favourable for the
production of rice. The mean annual temperature (270 C-
300 C), average sunshine hours (>5 hours), total annual
rainfall and distribution pattern (>1000) and relative
humidity during cropping season (>75%) are all adequate
by the standard of Sys (1993). The topography of the
toposequence is also considered adequate (Slope between
<1-2%).
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